SHRI KASHI VISHWANATH JYOTIRLINGA
CHAPTER SEVEN
Om Namah Shivaya
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INTRODUCTION
"Salutations to Lord Ganesha. Today, I narrate to you the wonderful story of Kashi Vishwanath – the seventh among the twelve Jyotirlingas."
This is not merely a story – it is the tale of liberation, the tale of the destruction of sins, and that divine play of Shiva's grace which teaches us – for one who dies in Kashi, Shiva himself bestows the 'Taraka Mantra' and grants liberation.
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CHAPTER ONE
KASHI – ANANDVAN, THE LAND OF LIBERATION
This is a very ancient tale... when even the gods longed for the sanctity of Kashi.
Kashi – which is also called Varanasi – is the most ancient city of India. It is situated on the banks of the Ganga river.
Kashi is known by many names –
"Anandvan" – the forest of bliss
"Muktikshetra" – the land of liberation
"Shivapuri" – the city of Shiva
"Avimukta" – where Shiva never abandons
"Kashi has been called 'heaven on earth'. Whoever comes here becomes blessed."
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CHAPTER TWO
KASHI – BRAHMA'S YAJNA AND SHIVA'S ARRIVAL
In ancient times, Brahma ji organized a grand yajna in Kashi. All the gods were pleased with the sanctity of the yajna.
But, during the yajna, a great problem arose. Demons began to create disturbances in the yajna.
Then Brahma ji prayed to Lord Shiva –
"O Lord! Protect this place. May you reside here forever."
Lord Shiva was pleased and made Kashi his eternal abode.
"Ever since then, Kashi has been called the city of Shiva."
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CHAPTER THREE
KASHI VISHWANATH – THE LORD OF THE UNIVERSE
"Vishwanath" – meaning "the Lord of the Universe".
Lord Shiva resides in Kashi as "Vishwanath" – he is the master of the entire universe.
"Just as a king resides in his capital, similarly Shiva resides in his city – Kashi."
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CHAPTER FOUR
THE TARAKA MANTRA – LIBERATION AT THE MOMENT OF DEATH
The greatest specialty of Kashi is this –
"One who dies in Kashi, Shiva himself imparts the 'Taraka Mantra' to them."
What is the Taraka Mantra?
The Taraka Mantra is – "Rama" or "Om Namah Shivaya".
It is believed – at the time of death, Lord Shiva himself whispers the Taraka Mantra into the ear of the deceased and grants liberation to their soul.
"This is precisely why Kashi is called the 'gateway to liberation'."
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CHAPTER FIVE
THE SANCTITY OF KASHI – THE DESTRUCTION OF SINS
The sanctity of Kashi is described in great detail in the scriptures.
Ganga Snan (Holy Dip) –
Taking a dip in the Ganga destroys sins.
It is believed – a single dip in the Ganga washes away the sins of many lifetimes.
Ganga Aarti –
The Ganga Aarti is performed daily at the Dashashwamedh Ghat.
This aarti is extremely grand and worth witnessing.
Thousands of devotees participate in it.
Manikarnika Ghat –
This is the main cremation ghat.
It is believed – cremation here grants direct liberation.
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CHAPTER SIX
THE DIVINE HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE
Mythological Belief –
Kashi Vishwanath is mentioned in the Shiva Puran, Skanda Puran, and Padma Puran.
The Kashi-Khanda of the Skanda Puran is entirely dedicated to the glory of Kashi.
Historical Background –
The present temple was built in 1780 by Ahilyabai Holkar.
The temple's spire is made of gold – which was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
This temple was destroyed many times and rebuilt many times.
Attacks and Rebuilds –
In 1194 – Qutb-ud-din Aibak destroyed the temple.
In 1669 – Aurangzeb destroyed the temple and built the Gyanvapi Mosque.
In 1780 – Ahilyabai Holkar got the present temple constructed.
"Faith rebuilt devotion every single time."
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CHAPTER SEVEN
THE TEMPLE'S ARCHITECTURE AND SPECIAL FEATURES
The architecture of the Kashi Vishwanath temple is extremely grand.
Temple Structure –
Style – North Indian (Nagara style)
Spire – Golden spire – 15.5 meters high
Sanctum Sanctorum – Houses the Shivalinga – self-manifested
Courtyard – Limited space, but extremely sacred
Gyanvapi Well –
The Gyanvapi well is located in the temple complex.
It is believed – this is the well of knowledge.
It is said – the Shivalinga was hidden in this well.
Other Deities –
In the temple complex – Mother Parvati, Lord Ganesha, Lord Vishnu, Nandi
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CHAPTER EIGHT
THE 12 GHATS OF KASHI – SACRED BATHING PLACES
There are many ghats on the Ganga river in Kashi. Each ghat has its own specialty.
1. Dashashwamedh Ghat – The most famous, where the Ganga Aarti is performed
2. Manikarnika Ghat – The ghat of liberation, the cremation ground
3. Harishchandra Ghat – The ghat of the truthful king Harishchandra
4. Assi Ghat – Where Ramlila is performed
5. Panchganga Ghat – The confluence of five rivers
6. Kedar Ghat – Associated with Kedarnath
7. Tulsi Ghat – The place of Tulsidas ji
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CHAPTER NINE
KASHI AND TULSIDAS – THE RAMCHARITMANAS
Goswami Tulsidas composed the Ramcharitmanas in Kashi itself.
"Tulsidas composed the Rama Katha right here. Even today, that place here is called 'Tulsi Ghat'."
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CHAPTER TEN
KASHI'S FAMOUS SCHOLARS AND SAINTS
Kashi has been a center of knowledge and learning. Many great scholars have lived here –
Adi Shankaracharya – propagated knowledge here.
Tulsidas – wrote the Ramcharitmanas.
Kabir – imparted teachings here.
Ravidas – was a great saint of here.
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CHAPTER ELEVEN
FESTIVALS AND SPECIAL RITUALS
Maha Shivaratri –
On Maha Shivaratri, a grand procession is taken out here.
Thousands of devotees gather here.
Rudrabhishek and japa are performed.
Dev Deepawali –
On Kartik Purnima, Dev Deepawali is celebrated.
Thousands of lamps are lit on the ghats of the Ganga.
This sight is extremely grand and divine.
Ganga Aarti –
The Ganga Aarti is performed every evening.
This is world-famous.
Thousands of devotees participate in it.
The Kashi Naresh's Procession –
Every year, the grand procession of the Kashi Naresh is taken out.
This tradition has been continuing for hundreds of years.
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CHAPTER TWELVE
INTERESTING FACTS
First – Kashi is the most ancient city in the world – 3,000 years old.
Second – Kashi is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas – Vishwanath.
Third – The Shivalinga here is self-manifested – that is, it appeared on its own.
Fourth – It is believed – dying in Kashi leads to liberation.
Fifth – The golden spire of the temple was built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh.
Sixth – The Gyanvapi well here is considered extremely sacred.
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CHAPTER THIRTEEN
THE SPIRITUAL MESSAGE – THE ESSENCE OF THE STORY
This story carries a deep spiritual meaning –
1. Do Not Fear Death –
Kashi teaches us – do not fear death. It is only the end of the body, not of the soul.
2. The Path to Liberation –
Kashi is the gateway to liberation. This teaches – devotion, knowledge, and seeking refuge in Shiva lead to liberation.
3. The Purity of the Ganga –
Taking a dip in the Ganga purifies us – both externally and internally.
4. Shiva's Compassion –
Shiva himself grants liberation at the time of death. This teaches – Shiva's grace is limitless, which opens the door to liberation for all.
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CONCLUSION
This story of the Kashi Vishwanath Jyotirlinga teaches us –
"Kashi – where sins are destroyed, where Shiva himself grants liberation. The darshan of Kashi Vishwanath is the completeness of life. This place gives us liberation from death and the experience of Shiva's grace."
Whoever remembers Kashi Vishwanath with devotion, attains liberation from sins, salvation, and Shiva's grace – all three.
This is the story of Kashi Vishwanath... this is the glory of the seventh Jyotirlinga.
Om Namah Shivaya.
Jai Kashi Vishwanath.
Jai Maa Ganga.
— The End —